Maurizio Cattelan's 'Comedian' banana artwork stolen from Metz museum

A piece of art consisting of a banana duct-taped to a wall has been stolen from the Centre Pompidou-Metz exhibition in France. The artwork, titled "Comedian" by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan, was discovered missing by a museum security guard around 2 p.m. on Saturday.

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The value of the work lies in its certificate of authenticity and in the protocol that governs its presentation rather than in its perishable element.

The museum announced it would file a complaint against unknown persons following the theft. In a statement, the Centre Pompidou-Metz explained that the value of "Comedian" resides in its certificate of authenticity and the protocol governing its display, rather than the perishable fruit. While condemning the act, which disrespects exhibited works and temporarily deprives visitors of part of the experience, the museum assured that no irreversible damage had occurred.

The perishable element has since been replaced. Created in 2019, "Comedian" is part of the "Sunday Without End" exhibition, which runs until January 25, 2027. The artwork exists in three editions and aims to question viewers' perceptions of art and its value.

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condemns nevertheless this act, which undermines the respect due to the exhibited works and temporarily deprives visitors of part of the experience offered by the exhibition.

This is not the first time Cattelan's banana artwork has been involved in unusual events. At its 2019 debut at Art Basel Miami Beach, another artist consumed the banana to protest its then-$120,000 price tag. In 2024, a cryptocurrency platform founder purchased an edition for $6.2 million, only to eat it days later. More recently, in July 2025, a visitor at the Centre Pompidou-Metz consumed the fruit, with the museum identifying the individual who claimed responsibility on social media.

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It is much better than other bananas.